Masters of Wine Endowment Fund Auction
A benefit dinner and auction to raise money for the Institute of Masters of Wine’s Endowment Fund will be held at the international auction house Bonhams on Thursday 16 November 2017.
A number of Super Lots, comprising exclusive experiences from the great wine regions of the world, will be sold at the live auction on the night with a further 100 Lots offered online from 1 November 2017. Bidders will compete on the night for some spectacular Super Lots including:
- The Champagne Bollinger Super Lot, donated by The Madame Bollinger Foundation, for up to eight guests to travel VIP to Bollinger, stay in luxury accommodation and be treated to a dinner at Les Crayeres, Reims. It includes a private lunch at Madame Bollinger’s House with specially selected champagnes, private tour of the cellars and vineyards with Chef de Caves – Gilles Descotes – and an incredible bottle of 1914 Vintage Bollinger.
- An exclusive stay for two couples at Le Pin and Cheval Blanc plus visits and meals at the acknowledged five greats of the Right Bank; Le Pin, Petrus, Lafleur, Cheval Blanc and Ausone. The visits will include tastings of unique special bottles and the successful bidder and guests will also receive a Double Magnum of Le Pin 2010, a Double Magnum of Château Ausone 2005, two Magnums of Château Lafleur 2005 and Château Cheval Blanc 2005 and a Magnum of Petrus 2005.
- Curated by Air New Zealand, a bespoke 10-day tour of a selection of the vineyards of NZ that have had wines selected for the Air New Zealand Fine Wine Selection. The tour will include two return business class fares, air and car travel in New Zealand, accommodation and meals. The tour will be hosted by Masters of Wine with private tastings with many of NZ’s great winemakers. A special wooden case selection of 48 rare bottles, which have never been collected together before, will also be shipped to the successful bidder.
In addition to giving guests the opportunity to bid for the once-in-a-lifetime Super Lots, the dinner on the night will showcase rare and exceptional wines. A limited number of tables are available and demand is understandably high. Enquiries for tables should be sent to the Institute’s Executive Director, Penny Richards prichards@mastersofwine.org.
Chairman of the Institute, Jane Masters MW said, “The Endowment Fund will enable the Institute to extend its range of activities in the global wine world, enhance the support it gives to Members worldwide and encourage the Masters of Wine of the future. We are immensely grateful to our Members, Supporters and friends in the wine trade who have donated so generously to our auction at Bonhams, and are looking forward to a fantastic and successful evening.”
Bonhams International Director of Wine, Richard Harvey MW commented, “As strong advocates of the IMW, Bonhams is delighted to be hosting this event to help raise money for such a worthwhile initiative. The rigorous standards set by the Institute have contributed hugely to the reputation of the modern wine business in all its facets, and the Endowment Fund will secure the important work of the Institute worldwide for many years to come.”
ENDS
For more information contact:
Sarah Kirkpatrick
Head of Marketing, Communications and Membership
Institute of Masters of Wine
+44 (0)207 383 9131
skirkpatrick@mastersofwine.org